Psychotropic-induced hyponatremia

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Psychotropic-induced hyponatremia

Practice Points

Hyponatremia is a common, multifactorial clinical condition. Hyponatremia is usually defined as a plasma sodium level <135 mmol/L; however, some studies define it as a level <130 mmol/L. Hyponatremia results from the inability of the kidney to excrete a sufficient amount of fluid, or is due to excessive fluid intake. Increases in osmolality stimulate thirst and result in increased fluid intake. This increase in osmolality is recognized by the osmoreceptors located in the hypothalamus, which release antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Antidiuretic hormone works on the collecting ducts within the kidneys, triggering increased fluid reabsorption resulting in decreased fluid loss and a reduction in thirst.

The syndrome of inappropriate anti­diuretic hormone (SIADH) occurs when there is persistent ADH stimulation resulting in hyponatremia. SIADH commonly presents as euvolemic hyponatremia. Common diagnostic criteria for SIADH are listed in Table 1.1

Common diagnostic criteria for SIADH


Medications are a major cause of SIADH, and psychotropics are a primary offender. Most of the data for drug-induced SIADH come from case reports and small case series, such as those described in Table 2.2-4 The extent to which each psychotropic class causes SIADH remains unknown. In this article, we focus on 3 classes of psychotropics, and their role in causing SIADH.

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone: 3 Case reports

Antidepressants

There is a fair amount of data associating antidepressants with SIADH. The incidence of SIADH with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) varies greatly among studies, from .06% to 40%.5-12 This wide variation is due to the way each study defined hyponatremia. A higher incidence was found when hyponatremia was defined as <135 mmol/L as opposed to <130 mmol/L. A large cohort study of SSRIs found that there was an increased risk with fluoxetine, escitalopram, and citalopram (.078% to .085%) vs paroxetine and sertraline (.033% to .053%).13 Studies comparing the incidence of SIADH with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) found that the rates were equal or slightly higher with the SNRI venlafaxine.13 SNRIs as a group have an estimated incidence of .08% to 4%, based on studies that defined hyponatremia as <130 mmol/L.13,14 Tricyclic antidepressants have an estimated incidence of .005% to 16.7%, based on a retrospective study that reviewed 15 studies and 100 case reports.15 Mirtazapine and bupropion do not have enough evidence to obtain a true definition of incidence; case reports for these drugs suggest a causal link for hyponatremia. Table 37,9,12-15 provides an overview of the incidence rate of hyponatremia for select antidepressants. It is clear that a more stringent cutoff for hyponatremia (<130 mmol/L) reduces the incidence rates. More evidence is needed to identify the true incidence and prevalence of SIADH with these agents.

Studies evaluating the incidence of SIADH with antidepressants

Antipsychotics

Compared with antidepressants, there’s less evidence linking SIADH with antipsychotics; this data come mainly from case reports and observational studies. Serrano et al16 reported on a cross-sectional study that included 88 patients receiving clozapine, 61 patients receiving other atypical antipsychotics, 23 patients receiving typical antipsychotics, and 11 patients receiving both typical and atypical antipsychotics. They reported incidence rates of 3.4% for clozapine, 4.9% for atypical antipsychotics, 26.1% for typical antipsychotics, and 9.1% for the group receiving both typical and atypical antipsychotics.16 The primary theory for the decreased incidence of SIADH with use of atypical antipsychotics is related to decreased rates of psychogenic polydipsia leading to lower incidence of hyponatremia.

Mood stabilizers

Several studies have associated carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, and lamotrigine with SIADH.17-23 Studies show incidence rates ranging from 4.8% to 41.5% for these medications. Carbamazepine appears to have the highest incidence of SIADH. A limitation of these studies is the small sample sizes, which ranged from 12 to 60 participants.

Pathophysiology

The kidneys are responsible for maintaining homeostasis between bodily fluids and serum sodium levels. ADH, which is produced by the hypothalamus, plays a significant role in fluid balance, thirst, and fluid retention. Inappropriate and continuous secretion of ADH, despite normal or high fluid status, results in hyposmolality and hyponatremia. The specific mechanisms by which psychotropic medications cause SIADH are listed in Table 4.24

How psychotropics cause SIADH

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of SIADH can be complex because there are many clinical reasons a patient may have hyponatremia. For example, SIADH and psychogenic polydipsia both result in hyponatremia, and sometimes the 2 conditions can be difficult to distinguish. Hyponatremia is typically discovered by routine blood testing if the patient is asymptomatic. Table 525 highlights the major laboratory markers that distinguish SIADH and psychogenic polydipsia.

Diagnosis of SIADH vs psychogenic polydipsia

Continue to: Treatment

 

 

Treatment

The primary treatment for SIADH is cessation of the offending agent. Based on the patient’s clinical presentation, free water restriction (.5 to 1 L/d) can be implemented to increase serum sodium levels. If the patient is having neurologic complications due to the severity of hyponatremia, correction with hypertonic saline is indicated. Upon resolution, the recommended course of action is to switch to a medication in a different class. Re-challenging the patient with the same medication is not recommended unless there is no other alternative class of medication.24 Table 626 highlights other causes of hyponatremia, what laboratory markers to assess, and how to treat high-risk individuals.

Causes of hyponatremia other than SIADH

Hyponatremia is a complex medical complication that can be life-threatening. Psychotropics are a relatively common cause of hyponatremia, specifically SIADH. Older adults appear to be at highest risk, as most case reports are in patients age ≥65. Patients who are prescribed psychotropics should be treated with the lowest effective dose and monitored for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia throughout therapy.

Related Resources

  • Spasovski G, Vanholder R, Allolio B, et al. Clinical practice guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of hyponatremia. Eur J Endocrinol. 2014;170(3):G1-G47.
  • Verbalis JG, Goldsmith SR, Greenberg A, et al. Diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hyponatremia: expert panel recommendations. Am J Med. 2013;126(10 Suppl 1):S1-S42.

Drug Brand Names

Bupropion • Wellbutrin
Carbamazepine • Tegretol
Citalopram • Celexa
Clozapine • Clozaril
Escitalopram • Lexapro
Fluoxetine • Prozac
Haloperidol • Haldol
Lamotrigine • Lamictal
Levathyroxine • Levothroid
Mirtazapine • Remeron
Oxcarbazepine • Trileptal
Paroxetine • Paxil
Quetiapine • Seroquel
Risperidone • Risperdal
Sertraline • Zoloft
Valproic acid • Depakote
Venlafaxine • Effexor

References

1. Sahay M, Sahay R. Hyponatremia: a practical approach. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(6):760-771.
2. Kenes MT, Hamblin S, Tumuluri SS, et al. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone in a patient receiving high-dose haloperidol and quetiapine therapy. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2016;28(2):e29-e30. doi: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.15110392.
3. Twardowschy CA, Bertolucci CB, Gracia Cde M, et al. Severe hyponatremia and the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with fluoxetine: case report. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2006;64(1):142-145.
4. Patel KR, Meesala A, Stanilla JK. Sodium valproate–induced hyponatremia: a case report. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2010;12(5):PCC.09100941. doi: 10.4088/PCC.09100941.
5. Pillans PI, Coulter DM. Fluoxetine and hyponatraemia—a potential hazard in the elderly. N Z Med J. 1994;107(973):85‑86.
6. Strachan J, Shepherd J. Hyponatraemia associated with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 1998;32(2):295‑298.
7. Bouman WP, Pinner G, Johnson H. Incidence of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) induced hyponatraemia due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion in the elderly. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 1998;13(1):12‑15.
8. Wilkinson TJ, Begg EJ, Winter AC, et al. Incidence and risk factors for hyponatraemia following treatment with fluoxetine or paroxetine in elderly people. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1999;47(2):211‑217.
9. Kirby D, Harrigan S, Ames D. Hyponatraemia in elderly psychiatric patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine: a retrospective controlled study in an inpatient unit. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2002;17(3):231‑237.
10. Wee R, Lim WK. Selective serotonin re‑uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and hyponatraemia in the elderly. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2004;19(6):590‑591.
11. Jung YE, Jun TY, Kim KS, et al. Hyponatremia associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mirtazapine, and venlafaxine in Korean patients with major depressive disorder. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2011;49(7):437‑443.
12. Letmaier M, Painold A, Holl AK, et al. Hyponatremia during psychopharmacological treatment: Results of a drug surveillance program. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2012;15(6):739‑748.
13. Coupland CA, Dhiman P, Barton G, et al. A study of the safety and harms of antidepressant drugs for older people: a cohort study using a large primary care database. Health Technol Assess. 2011;15(28):1‑202, iii‑iv.
14. Leah-Møller KB, Hansen AH, Torstensson M, et al. Antidepressants and the risk of hyponatremia: a Danish register-based population study. BMJ Open. 2016;6(5):e011200. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011200.
15. De Picker LD, Van Den Eede F, Dumont G, et al. Antidepressants and the risk of hyponatremia: a class by class review of literature. Psychosomatics. 2014;55(6):536-547.
16. Serrano A, Rangel N, Carrizo E, et al. Safety of long-term clozapine administration. Frequency of cardiomyopathy and hyponatraemia: two cross-sectional, naturalistic studies. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2014;48(2):183‑192.
17. Uhde TW, Post RM. Effects of carbamazepine on serum electrolytes: clinical and theoretical implications. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1983;3(2):103‑106.
18. Lahr MB. Hyponatremia during carbamazepine therapy. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1985;37(6):693‑696.
19. Joffe RT, Post RM, Uhde TW. Effects of carbamazepine on serum electrolytes in affectively ill patients. Psychol Med. 1986;16(2):331‑335.
20. Vieweg V, Glick JL, Herring S, et al. Absence of carbamazepine‑induced hyponatremia among patients also given lithium. Am J Psychiatry. 1987;144(7):943‑947.
21. Yassa R, Iskandar H, Nastase C, et al. Carbamazepine and hyponatremia in patients with affective disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 1988;145(3):339‑342.
22. Kastner T, Friedman DL, Pond WS. Carbamazepine‑induced hyponatremia in patients with mental retardation. Am J Ment Retard. 1992;96(5):536‑540.
23. Kelly BD, Hillery J. Hyponatremia during carbamazepine therapy in patients with intellectual disability. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2001;45(Pt 2):152‑156.
24. Sahoo S, Grover S. Hyponatremia and psychotropics. J Geriatr Ment Health. 2016;3(2):108-122.
25. Siragy HM. Hyponatremia, fluid-electrolyte disorders and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion: diagnosis and treatment options. Endocr Pract. 2006;12(4):446-457.
26. Braun M, Barstow CH, Pyzocha NJ. Diagnosis and management of sodium disorders: hyponatremia and hypernatremia. Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(5):299-307.

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Dr. Butterfield is Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Community Health Network, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Eaves is Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Midtown/Eskenazi Health, and Dr. Ott is Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist/Clinical Professor, Pharmacy, Eskenazi Health/Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Disclosures
The authors report no financial relationships with any companies whose products are mentioned in this article, or with manufacturers of competing products.

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Dr. Butterfield is Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Community Health Network, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Eaves is Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Midtown/Eskenazi Health, and Dr. Ott is Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist/Clinical Professor, Pharmacy, Eskenazi Health/Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Disclosures
The authors report no financial relationships with any companies whose products are mentioned in this article, or with manufacturers of competing products.

Author and Disclosure Information

Dr. Butterfield is Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Community Health Network, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Eaves is Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Midtown/Eskenazi Health, and Dr. Ott is Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist/Clinical Professor, Pharmacy, Eskenazi Health/Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Disclosures
The authors report no financial relationships with any companies whose products are mentioned in this article, or with manufacturers of competing products.

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Practice Points

Hyponatremia is a common, multifactorial clinical condition. Hyponatremia is usually defined as a plasma sodium level <135 mmol/L; however, some studies define it as a level <130 mmol/L. Hyponatremia results from the inability of the kidney to excrete a sufficient amount of fluid, or is due to excessive fluid intake. Increases in osmolality stimulate thirst and result in increased fluid intake. This increase in osmolality is recognized by the osmoreceptors located in the hypothalamus, which release antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Antidiuretic hormone works on the collecting ducts within the kidneys, triggering increased fluid reabsorption resulting in decreased fluid loss and a reduction in thirst.

The syndrome of inappropriate anti­diuretic hormone (SIADH) occurs when there is persistent ADH stimulation resulting in hyponatremia. SIADH commonly presents as euvolemic hyponatremia. Common diagnostic criteria for SIADH are listed in Table 1.1

Common diagnostic criteria for SIADH


Medications are a major cause of SIADH, and psychotropics are a primary offender. Most of the data for drug-induced SIADH come from case reports and small case series, such as those described in Table 2.2-4 The extent to which each psychotropic class causes SIADH remains unknown. In this article, we focus on 3 classes of psychotropics, and their role in causing SIADH.

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone: 3 Case reports

Antidepressants

There is a fair amount of data associating antidepressants with SIADH. The incidence of SIADH with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) varies greatly among studies, from .06% to 40%.5-12 This wide variation is due to the way each study defined hyponatremia. A higher incidence was found when hyponatremia was defined as <135 mmol/L as opposed to <130 mmol/L. A large cohort study of SSRIs found that there was an increased risk with fluoxetine, escitalopram, and citalopram (.078% to .085%) vs paroxetine and sertraline (.033% to .053%).13 Studies comparing the incidence of SIADH with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) found that the rates were equal or slightly higher with the SNRI venlafaxine.13 SNRIs as a group have an estimated incidence of .08% to 4%, based on studies that defined hyponatremia as <130 mmol/L.13,14 Tricyclic antidepressants have an estimated incidence of .005% to 16.7%, based on a retrospective study that reviewed 15 studies and 100 case reports.15 Mirtazapine and bupropion do not have enough evidence to obtain a true definition of incidence; case reports for these drugs suggest a causal link for hyponatremia. Table 37,9,12-15 provides an overview of the incidence rate of hyponatremia for select antidepressants. It is clear that a more stringent cutoff for hyponatremia (<130 mmol/L) reduces the incidence rates. More evidence is needed to identify the true incidence and prevalence of SIADH with these agents.

Studies evaluating the incidence of SIADH with antidepressants

Antipsychotics

Compared with antidepressants, there’s less evidence linking SIADH with antipsychotics; this data come mainly from case reports and observational studies. Serrano et al16 reported on a cross-sectional study that included 88 patients receiving clozapine, 61 patients receiving other atypical antipsychotics, 23 patients receiving typical antipsychotics, and 11 patients receiving both typical and atypical antipsychotics. They reported incidence rates of 3.4% for clozapine, 4.9% for atypical antipsychotics, 26.1% for typical antipsychotics, and 9.1% for the group receiving both typical and atypical antipsychotics.16 The primary theory for the decreased incidence of SIADH with use of atypical antipsychotics is related to decreased rates of psychogenic polydipsia leading to lower incidence of hyponatremia.

Mood stabilizers

Several studies have associated carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, and lamotrigine with SIADH.17-23 Studies show incidence rates ranging from 4.8% to 41.5% for these medications. Carbamazepine appears to have the highest incidence of SIADH. A limitation of these studies is the small sample sizes, which ranged from 12 to 60 participants.

Pathophysiology

The kidneys are responsible for maintaining homeostasis between bodily fluids and serum sodium levels. ADH, which is produced by the hypothalamus, plays a significant role in fluid balance, thirst, and fluid retention. Inappropriate and continuous secretion of ADH, despite normal or high fluid status, results in hyposmolality and hyponatremia. The specific mechanisms by which psychotropic medications cause SIADH are listed in Table 4.24

How psychotropics cause SIADH

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of SIADH can be complex because there are many clinical reasons a patient may have hyponatremia. For example, SIADH and psychogenic polydipsia both result in hyponatremia, and sometimes the 2 conditions can be difficult to distinguish. Hyponatremia is typically discovered by routine blood testing if the patient is asymptomatic. Table 525 highlights the major laboratory markers that distinguish SIADH and psychogenic polydipsia.

Diagnosis of SIADH vs psychogenic polydipsia

Continue to: Treatment

 

 

Treatment

The primary treatment for SIADH is cessation of the offending agent. Based on the patient’s clinical presentation, free water restriction (.5 to 1 L/d) can be implemented to increase serum sodium levels. If the patient is having neurologic complications due to the severity of hyponatremia, correction with hypertonic saline is indicated. Upon resolution, the recommended course of action is to switch to a medication in a different class. Re-challenging the patient with the same medication is not recommended unless there is no other alternative class of medication.24 Table 626 highlights other causes of hyponatremia, what laboratory markers to assess, and how to treat high-risk individuals.

Causes of hyponatremia other than SIADH

Hyponatremia is a complex medical complication that can be life-threatening. Psychotropics are a relatively common cause of hyponatremia, specifically SIADH. Older adults appear to be at highest risk, as most case reports are in patients age ≥65. Patients who are prescribed psychotropics should be treated with the lowest effective dose and monitored for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia throughout therapy.

Related Resources

  • Spasovski G, Vanholder R, Allolio B, et al. Clinical practice guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of hyponatremia. Eur J Endocrinol. 2014;170(3):G1-G47.
  • Verbalis JG, Goldsmith SR, Greenberg A, et al. Diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hyponatremia: expert panel recommendations. Am J Med. 2013;126(10 Suppl 1):S1-S42.

Drug Brand Names

Bupropion • Wellbutrin
Carbamazepine • Tegretol
Citalopram • Celexa
Clozapine • Clozaril
Escitalopram • Lexapro
Fluoxetine • Prozac
Haloperidol • Haldol
Lamotrigine • Lamictal
Levathyroxine • Levothroid
Mirtazapine • Remeron
Oxcarbazepine • Trileptal
Paroxetine • Paxil
Quetiapine • Seroquel
Risperidone • Risperdal
Sertraline • Zoloft
Valproic acid • Depakote
Venlafaxine • Effexor

Practice Points

Hyponatremia is a common, multifactorial clinical condition. Hyponatremia is usually defined as a plasma sodium level <135 mmol/L; however, some studies define it as a level <130 mmol/L. Hyponatremia results from the inability of the kidney to excrete a sufficient amount of fluid, or is due to excessive fluid intake. Increases in osmolality stimulate thirst and result in increased fluid intake. This increase in osmolality is recognized by the osmoreceptors located in the hypothalamus, which release antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Antidiuretic hormone works on the collecting ducts within the kidneys, triggering increased fluid reabsorption resulting in decreased fluid loss and a reduction in thirst.

The syndrome of inappropriate anti­diuretic hormone (SIADH) occurs when there is persistent ADH stimulation resulting in hyponatremia. SIADH commonly presents as euvolemic hyponatremia. Common diagnostic criteria for SIADH are listed in Table 1.1

Common diagnostic criteria for SIADH


Medications are a major cause of SIADH, and psychotropics are a primary offender. Most of the data for drug-induced SIADH come from case reports and small case series, such as those described in Table 2.2-4 The extent to which each psychotropic class causes SIADH remains unknown. In this article, we focus on 3 classes of psychotropics, and their role in causing SIADH.

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone: 3 Case reports

Antidepressants

There is a fair amount of data associating antidepressants with SIADH. The incidence of SIADH with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) varies greatly among studies, from .06% to 40%.5-12 This wide variation is due to the way each study defined hyponatremia. A higher incidence was found when hyponatremia was defined as <135 mmol/L as opposed to <130 mmol/L. A large cohort study of SSRIs found that there was an increased risk with fluoxetine, escitalopram, and citalopram (.078% to .085%) vs paroxetine and sertraline (.033% to .053%).13 Studies comparing the incidence of SIADH with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) found that the rates were equal or slightly higher with the SNRI venlafaxine.13 SNRIs as a group have an estimated incidence of .08% to 4%, based on studies that defined hyponatremia as <130 mmol/L.13,14 Tricyclic antidepressants have an estimated incidence of .005% to 16.7%, based on a retrospective study that reviewed 15 studies and 100 case reports.15 Mirtazapine and bupropion do not have enough evidence to obtain a true definition of incidence; case reports for these drugs suggest a causal link for hyponatremia. Table 37,9,12-15 provides an overview of the incidence rate of hyponatremia for select antidepressants. It is clear that a more stringent cutoff for hyponatremia (<130 mmol/L) reduces the incidence rates. More evidence is needed to identify the true incidence and prevalence of SIADH with these agents.

Studies evaluating the incidence of SIADH with antidepressants

Antipsychotics

Compared with antidepressants, there’s less evidence linking SIADH with antipsychotics; this data come mainly from case reports and observational studies. Serrano et al16 reported on a cross-sectional study that included 88 patients receiving clozapine, 61 patients receiving other atypical antipsychotics, 23 patients receiving typical antipsychotics, and 11 patients receiving both typical and atypical antipsychotics. They reported incidence rates of 3.4% for clozapine, 4.9% for atypical antipsychotics, 26.1% for typical antipsychotics, and 9.1% for the group receiving both typical and atypical antipsychotics.16 The primary theory for the decreased incidence of SIADH with use of atypical antipsychotics is related to decreased rates of psychogenic polydipsia leading to lower incidence of hyponatremia.

Mood stabilizers

Several studies have associated carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, and lamotrigine with SIADH.17-23 Studies show incidence rates ranging from 4.8% to 41.5% for these medications. Carbamazepine appears to have the highest incidence of SIADH. A limitation of these studies is the small sample sizes, which ranged from 12 to 60 participants.

Pathophysiology

The kidneys are responsible for maintaining homeostasis between bodily fluids and serum sodium levels. ADH, which is produced by the hypothalamus, plays a significant role in fluid balance, thirst, and fluid retention. Inappropriate and continuous secretion of ADH, despite normal or high fluid status, results in hyposmolality and hyponatremia. The specific mechanisms by which psychotropic medications cause SIADH are listed in Table 4.24

How psychotropics cause SIADH

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of SIADH can be complex because there are many clinical reasons a patient may have hyponatremia. For example, SIADH and psychogenic polydipsia both result in hyponatremia, and sometimes the 2 conditions can be difficult to distinguish. Hyponatremia is typically discovered by routine blood testing if the patient is asymptomatic. Table 525 highlights the major laboratory markers that distinguish SIADH and psychogenic polydipsia.

Diagnosis of SIADH vs psychogenic polydipsia

Continue to: Treatment

 

 

Treatment

The primary treatment for SIADH is cessation of the offending agent. Based on the patient’s clinical presentation, free water restriction (.5 to 1 L/d) can be implemented to increase serum sodium levels. If the patient is having neurologic complications due to the severity of hyponatremia, correction with hypertonic saline is indicated. Upon resolution, the recommended course of action is to switch to a medication in a different class. Re-challenging the patient with the same medication is not recommended unless there is no other alternative class of medication.24 Table 626 highlights other causes of hyponatremia, what laboratory markers to assess, and how to treat high-risk individuals.

Causes of hyponatremia other than SIADH

Hyponatremia is a complex medical complication that can be life-threatening. Psychotropics are a relatively common cause of hyponatremia, specifically SIADH. Older adults appear to be at highest risk, as most case reports are in patients age ≥65. Patients who are prescribed psychotropics should be treated with the lowest effective dose and monitored for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia throughout therapy.

Related Resources

  • Spasovski G, Vanholder R, Allolio B, et al. Clinical practice guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of hyponatremia. Eur J Endocrinol. 2014;170(3):G1-G47.
  • Verbalis JG, Goldsmith SR, Greenberg A, et al. Diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hyponatremia: expert panel recommendations. Am J Med. 2013;126(10 Suppl 1):S1-S42.

Drug Brand Names

Bupropion • Wellbutrin
Carbamazepine • Tegretol
Citalopram • Celexa
Clozapine • Clozaril
Escitalopram • Lexapro
Fluoxetine • Prozac
Haloperidol • Haldol
Lamotrigine • Lamictal
Levathyroxine • Levothroid
Mirtazapine • Remeron
Oxcarbazepine • Trileptal
Paroxetine • Paxil
Quetiapine • Seroquel
Risperidone • Risperdal
Sertraline • Zoloft
Valproic acid • Depakote
Venlafaxine • Effexor

References

1. Sahay M, Sahay R. Hyponatremia: a practical approach. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(6):760-771.
2. Kenes MT, Hamblin S, Tumuluri SS, et al. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone in a patient receiving high-dose haloperidol and quetiapine therapy. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2016;28(2):e29-e30. doi: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.15110392.
3. Twardowschy CA, Bertolucci CB, Gracia Cde M, et al. Severe hyponatremia and the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with fluoxetine: case report. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2006;64(1):142-145.
4. Patel KR, Meesala A, Stanilla JK. Sodium valproate–induced hyponatremia: a case report. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2010;12(5):PCC.09100941. doi: 10.4088/PCC.09100941.
5. Pillans PI, Coulter DM. Fluoxetine and hyponatraemia—a potential hazard in the elderly. N Z Med J. 1994;107(973):85‑86.
6. Strachan J, Shepherd J. Hyponatraemia associated with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 1998;32(2):295‑298.
7. Bouman WP, Pinner G, Johnson H. Incidence of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) induced hyponatraemia due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion in the elderly. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 1998;13(1):12‑15.
8. Wilkinson TJ, Begg EJ, Winter AC, et al. Incidence and risk factors for hyponatraemia following treatment with fluoxetine or paroxetine in elderly people. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1999;47(2):211‑217.
9. Kirby D, Harrigan S, Ames D. Hyponatraemia in elderly psychiatric patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine: a retrospective controlled study in an inpatient unit. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2002;17(3):231‑237.
10. Wee R, Lim WK. Selective serotonin re‑uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and hyponatraemia in the elderly. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2004;19(6):590‑591.
11. Jung YE, Jun TY, Kim KS, et al. Hyponatremia associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mirtazapine, and venlafaxine in Korean patients with major depressive disorder. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2011;49(7):437‑443.
12. Letmaier M, Painold A, Holl AK, et al. Hyponatremia during psychopharmacological treatment: Results of a drug surveillance program. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2012;15(6):739‑748.
13. Coupland CA, Dhiman P, Barton G, et al. A study of the safety and harms of antidepressant drugs for older people: a cohort study using a large primary care database. Health Technol Assess. 2011;15(28):1‑202, iii‑iv.
14. Leah-Møller KB, Hansen AH, Torstensson M, et al. Antidepressants and the risk of hyponatremia: a Danish register-based population study. BMJ Open. 2016;6(5):e011200. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011200.
15. De Picker LD, Van Den Eede F, Dumont G, et al. Antidepressants and the risk of hyponatremia: a class by class review of literature. Psychosomatics. 2014;55(6):536-547.
16. Serrano A, Rangel N, Carrizo E, et al. Safety of long-term clozapine administration. Frequency of cardiomyopathy and hyponatraemia: two cross-sectional, naturalistic studies. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2014;48(2):183‑192.
17. Uhde TW, Post RM. Effects of carbamazepine on serum electrolytes: clinical and theoretical implications. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1983;3(2):103‑106.
18. Lahr MB. Hyponatremia during carbamazepine therapy. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1985;37(6):693‑696.
19. Joffe RT, Post RM, Uhde TW. Effects of carbamazepine on serum electrolytes in affectively ill patients. Psychol Med. 1986;16(2):331‑335.
20. Vieweg V, Glick JL, Herring S, et al. Absence of carbamazepine‑induced hyponatremia among patients also given lithium. Am J Psychiatry. 1987;144(7):943‑947.
21. Yassa R, Iskandar H, Nastase C, et al. Carbamazepine and hyponatremia in patients with affective disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 1988;145(3):339‑342.
22. Kastner T, Friedman DL, Pond WS. Carbamazepine‑induced hyponatremia in patients with mental retardation. Am J Ment Retard. 1992;96(5):536‑540.
23. Kelly BD, Hillery J. Hyponatremia during carbamazepine therapy in patients with intellectual disability. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2001;45(Pt 2):152‑156.
24. Sahoo S, Grover S. Hyponatremia and psychotropics. J Geriatr Ment Health. 2016;3(2):108-122.
25. Siragy HM. Hyponatremia, fluid-electrolyte disorders and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion: diagnosis and treatment options. Endocr Pract. 2006;12(4):446-457.
26. Braun M, Barstow CH, Pyzocha NJ. Diagnosis and management of sodium disorders: hyponatremia and hypernatremia. Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(5):299-307.

References

1. Sahay M, Sahay R. Hyponatremia: a practical approach. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(6):760-771.
2. Kenes MT, Hamblin S, Tumuluri SS, et al. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone in a patient receiving high-dose haloperidol and quetiapine therapy. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2016;28(2):e29-e30. doi: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.15110392.
3. Twardowschy CA, Bertolucci CB, Gracia Cde M, et al. Severe hyponatremia and the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with fluoxetine: case report. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2006;64(1):142-145.
4. Patel KR, Meesala A, Stanilla JK. Sodium valproate–induced hyponatremia: a case report. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2010;12(5):PCC.09100941. doi: 10.4088/PCC.09100941.
5. Pillans PI, Coulter DM. Fluoxetine and hyponatraemia—a potential hazard in the elderly. N Z Med J. 1994;107(973):85‑86.
6. Strachan J, Shepherd J. Hyponatraemia associated with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 1998;32(2):295‑298.
7. Bouman WP, Pinner G, Johnson H. Incidence of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) induced hyponatraemia due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion in the elderly. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 1998;13(1):12‑15.
8. Wilkinson TJ, Begg EJ, Winter AC, et al. Incidence and risk factors for hyponatraemia following treatment with fluoxetine or paroxetine in elderly people. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1999;47(2):211‑217.
9. Kirby D, Harrigan S, Ames D. Hyponatraemia in elderly psychiatric patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine: a retrospective controlled study in an inpatient unit. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2002;17(3):231‑237.
10. Wee R, Lim WK. Selective serotonin re‑uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and hyponatraemia in the elderly. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2004;19(6):590‑591.
11. Jung YE, Jun TY, Kim KS, et al. Hyponatremia associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mirtazapine, and venlafaxine in Korean patients with major depressive disorder. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2011;49(7):437‑443.
12. Letmaier M, Painold A, Holl AK, et al. Hyponatremia during psychopharmacological treatment: Results of a drug surveillance program. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2012;15(6):739‑748.
13. Coupland CA, Dhiman P, Barton G, et al. A study of the safety and harms of antidepressant drugs for older people: a cohort study using a large primary care database. Health Technol Assess. 2011;15(28):1‑202, iii‑iv.
14. Leah-Møller KB, Hansen AH, Torstensson M, et al. Antidepressants and the risk of hyponatremia: a Danish register-based population study. BMJ Open. 2016;6(5):e011200. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011200.
15. De Picker LD, Van Den Eede F, Dumont G, et al. Antidepressants and the risk of hyponatremia: a class by class review of literature. Psychosomatics. 2014;55(6):536-547.
16. Serrano A, Rangel N, Carrizo E, et al. Safety of long-term clozapine administration. Frequency of cardiomyopathy and hyponatraemia: two cross-sectional, naturalistic studies. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2014;48(2):183‑192.
17. Uhde TW, Post RM. Effects of carbamazepine on serum electrolytes: clinical and theoretical implications. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1983;3(2):103‑106.
18. Lahr MB. Hyponatremia during carbamazepine therapy. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1985;37(6):693‑696.
19. Joffe RT, Post RM, Uhde TW. Effects of carbamazepine on serum electrolytes in affectively ill patients. Psychol Med. 1986;16(2):331‑335.
20. Vieweg V, Glick JL, Herring S, et al. Absence of carbamazepine‑induced hyponatremia among patients also given lithium. Am J Psychiatry. 1987;144(7):943‑947.
21. Yassa R, Iskandar H, Nastase C, et al. Carbamazepine and hyponatremia in patients with affective disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 1988;145(3):339‑342.
22. Kastner T, Friedman DL, Pond WS. Carbamazepine‑induced hyponatremia in patients with mental retardation. Am J Ment Retard. 1992;96(5):536‑540.
23. Kelly BD, Hillery J. Hyponatremia during carbamazepine therapy in patients with intellectual disability. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2001;45(Pt 2):152‑156.
24. Sahoo S, Grover S. Hyponatremia and psychotropics. J Geriatr Ment Health. 2016;3(2):108-122.
25. Siragy HM. Hyponatremia, fluid-electrolyte disorders and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion: diagnosis and treatment options. Endocr Pract. 2006;12(4):446-457.
26. Braun M, Barstow CH, Pyzocha NJ. Diagnosis and management of sodium disorders: hyponatremia and hypernatremia. Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(5):299-307.

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Current Psychiatry - 18(2)
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Current Psychiatry - 18(2)
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